Fielding drill device

ABSTRACT

A fielding drill assistive device which may be employed in conjunction with a team&#39;s fielding drills to simulate a runner running from home to first base after hitting the ball. The device includes an input means for detecting when a bat makes contact with the ball and a means for showing progress of the runner and when the runner would hypothetically reach first base. An input means is employed to automatically detect without human intervention when contact is made between the bat and the ball. Several variations of input means are described herein. In one embodiment, a vibration sensor is provided. The vibration sensor may be attached to the bat, and the vibration sensor detects contact vibration when the bat strikes a ball. In another embodiment, an input transducer is used to detect the sound of contact between the ball and bat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of assistive devices for baseball and softball fielding drills. More specifically the present invention comprises a fielding drill device which shows the progress of a virtual runner after a ball is hit.

2. Description of the Related Art

Baseball and softball players routinely perform fielding drills to prepare for game situations in which a ball is hit to the player's position. In conventional practice environments, a coach will hit combinations of ground balls, line drives, and pop flies to each player on the team. When performing ground ball type fielding drills, infield players typically throw the ball to first base after fielding the ground ball, simulating the act of“throwing the runner out.”

Although these types of fielding drills are widely used, they do not effectively prepare a fielder for game situations. First, conventional fielding drills do not provide the player with the same sense of urgency as the player feels in game situations. Many players will casually field the ball and lob the ball across the infield when performing these drills instead of hastily fielding the ball and giving the ball a “strong throw.” Other players may unnecessarily rush the throw to first base and make a poor throw, when the player actually may have had time to set the player's feet and make a better throw. In addition, these poor fielding habits may become ingrained because the player receives a lack of feedback. For example, a third baseman may not know if they are fielding and delivering the ball to first base rapidly enough to catch a real runner.

Some coaches will use a mock runner to “run out” ground balls to address the aforementioned shortcomings of conventional fielding drills. While the use of a mock runner addresses the previously mentioned shortcomings, using a mock runner distracts the mock runner from the runner's own practice, causing the runner to miss out on valuable practice time. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a fielding drill assistive device which simulates the sense of urgency of game situations, provides immediate feedback to infielders, and does not cause other players to sacrifice practice time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a fielding drill assistive device which may be employed in conjunction with a team's fielding drills to simulate a runner running from home to first base after hitting the ball. The device includes an input means for detecting when a bat makes contact with the ball and a means for showing progress of the runner and when the runner would hypothetically reach first base.

In the preferred embodiment, a series of progress indicator lights are used to mimic the progress of a runner. Each of the series of progress indicator lights illuminates in sequence to show advancement. A terminal light is provided at the end of the sequence of progress indicator lights and illuminates at a time when the hypothetical runner would have reached first base. An optional audible alarm may also be used in place of or in conjunction with the terminal light.

An input means is employed to automatically detect without human intervention when contact is made between the bat and the ball. Several variations of input means are described herein. In one embodiment, a vibration sensor is provided. The vibration sensor may be attached to the bat, and the vibration sensor detects contact vibration when the bat strikes a ball. When contact vibration is detected, the vibration sensor transmits a signal, such as a radio frequency signal, to a receiver. In another embodiment, an input transducer is used to detect the sound of contact between the ball and bat. A noise gate or other filter may be used to eliminate false positives.

A control module is used to integrate the input means and the means for indicating the runner's progress. For example, the control module may be used to activate each of the progress indicator lights in the series at a design time interval. The control module may also include a speed setting mechanism which may be used by the coach to adjust the speed of the hypothetical runner and the corresponding length of time between illumination of each of the series of progress indicator lights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view, illustrating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, illustrating the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, illustrating a sensor module.

FIG. 4 is a schematic, illustrating the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

10 infield 12 home plate 14 first base 16 control module 18 progress indicator lights 20 serial light strip 22 terminal light 24 first baseman 26 bat 28 knob 30 sensor module 32 receiver circuit 34 input transducer 36 filter circuit 38 speed setting 40 audible alarm 42 power supply

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The proposed fielding drill device is placed adjacent to infield 10 between home plate 12 and first base 14. The device is preferably not placed on the field of play so as not to interfere with action on infield 10. In the preferred embodiment, control module 16 is placed near home plate 12. Control module 16 is electronically connected to serial light strip 20. Serial light strip 20 includes a series of progress indicator lights 18. Progress indicator lights 18 may be any lamp or bulb that is capable of illumination. Progress indicator lights 18 are preferably large enough and bright enough to be seen from the third base side of infield 10. Terminal light 22 is provided at one end of serial light strip 20 near first base 14. Terminal light 22 may be a lamp or bulb similar to progress indicator lights 18, or it may be made to appear different than progress indicator lights 18 so that it is more conspicuous. For example, terminal light 22 may be a large red rotating light beacon.

FIG. 2 illustrates the present invention as it may appear from the perspective of an infield player. When the present invention is employed, progress indicator lights 18 illuminate sequentially to mimic the progress of a hypothetical runner as the hypothetical runner advances from home to first base. Upon fielding a ground ball, an infielder will naturally look towards first base in preparing to make the throw to first baseman 24. The infielder may make a quick visual scan of the path to first base to notice the progress of hypothetical runner before making the throw. Terminal light 22 will be illuminated at a point in time when the hypothetical runner would have reached first base. Accordingly, the coach and players may judge whether first baseman 24 receives the ball prior to the hypothetical runner reaching first base or after the hypothetical runner reaching first base. The infielder may judge what type of throw is required to throw a runner out by evaluating the progress and rate of illumination of progress indicator lights 18. For example, if progress indicator lights 18 indicate that the hypothetical runner is about to reach first base, the infielder may need to rush the throw.

As mentioned previously, progress indicator lights 18 illuminate sequentially to indicate the progress of a runner. The position of the runner on the path from home to first base corresponds to the last progress indicator light 18 to illuminate. Progress indicator lights 18 may stay illuminated once the hypothetical runner passes the position, or they may be shut off as the next progress indicator light 18 in the sequence is illuminated.

The illumination of progress indicator lights 18 and terminal light 22 is controlled and orchestrated by control module 16 as will be described in more detail subsequently. The device includes an input means, which is integrated with control module 16 and automatically sends an electrical signal to control module 16 when contact is detected between the ball and bat. It should be noted that the input means does not require human intervention once contact is made between the bat and the ball. Although many mechanisms may be employed for the input means, one example is illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, sensor module 30 may be provided on the bottom of knob 28 of bat 26. Sensor module 30 generally includes a sensor which detects contact vibration when the bat hits the ball. Vibration and kinetic sensors are generally known in the prior art and may be employed in the present invention as part of sensor module 30. These sensors generally include a spring which moves or vibrates when the sensor receives an impact which exceeds a designed threshold. When a coach hits the ball with the bat, the vibration sensor detects the impact and sends an electrical signal indicating that an impact was detected.

Sensor module 30 may be integrated to control module 16 in various ways. For example, sensor module 30 may be “hard wired” to the control module. Because the wire or cord may get in the way of the batter, a signal transmitter, such as a radio frequency transmitter may be integrated to sensor module 30. In such an application, control module 16 may be equipped with a receiver which is configured to receive transmissions from the signal transmitter.

A schematic illustrating the present invention is provided in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, control module 16 is configured to receive input from two independent input means. Receiver circuit 32 is provided to receive input from sensor module 30. Receiver circuit 32 sends an electrical signal to control module 16 when an impact is detected by the vibration sensor. Input transducer 34 and filter 36 provide an alternative input means to control module 16. Input transducer 34 is configured to detect the sound of contact when the bat strikes the ball. Input transducer 34 transmits signals through filter circuit 36. Filter circuit 36 is designed to pass signals corresponding to the sound of contact between the bat and ball, but to filter out signals outside of its designed parameters. Filter circuit 36 may include a noise gate, a bandpass filter, a decibel level detector, or other known signal filter technologies. For example, a simple noise gate or decibel level detector may be calibrated to allow only signals that exceed a design threshold to pass. The design threshold will correspond to the level of sound commonly produced by a bat hitting a ball. In addition, a bandpass filter may be used to filter signals which do not fall within a design frequency range. Similar to the noise gate, the design frequency range will correspond to the sound frequency of a ball hitting a bat. Multiple bandpass filters may be needed to accommodate the different types of bats that are used.

Filter circuit 36 may be calibrated to the specific input transducer 34 or microphone that is used. Filter circuit 36 may be calibrated experimentally by observing sound level and frequency ranges of various hitting sounds. For example, a testor may test sound levels observed at various distances when using various bats. A similar test may be performed observing frequency ranges. The bandpass filter and noise gate may then be set to pass signals corresponding to the observed ranges.

Control module 16 may be a programmable logic controller or any other device capable of controlling the illumination of progress indicator lights 18 and terminal light 22. Control module 16 preferably includes a timer capable of counting increments of time. Control module 16 is programmed to illuminate progress indicator lights 18 incrementally in sequence as the timer passes designed time increments. The design time increments will vary depending on the desired speed of the hypothetical runner and the distance between the individual progress indicator lights. Power supply 42 is provided to power control module 16, the input means, progress indicator lights 18, terminal light 22, and audible alarm 22 as necessary.

The desired speed of the hypothetical runner and the corresponding rate of illumination of progress indicator lights 18 may be adjusted with speed setting 38. For example, a coach may choose whether the hypothetical runner will run at a fast, slow, or moderate rate of speed. By adjusting speed setting 38, the coach is able to adjust the design increment of time counted by the timer between illumination of successive progress indicator lamps 38. Obviously, adjusting speed setting 38 also shortens or lengthens the time between bat-on-ball contact and the illumination of terminal light 22. As an example, an elapsed time of 4.5 to 5.0 seconds between bat-on-ball contact and illumination of terminal light 22 may be used for the slow setting. An elapsed time of 4.3 to 4.5 seconds may be used for the moderate setting, while an elapsed time of 4.0 to 4.3 may be used for the fastest setting. Of course the desired time increments will vary depending on the distance between home and first base and the skill level of the players. It may be desirable to provide different fielding drill devices for different skill levels and for leagues using different distances between the bases.

The preceding description contains significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. As an example, audible alarm 40 may also be provided in addition to or may replace terminal light 22. Audible alarm 40 makes an audible sound, such as a horn or loud beep, when the hypothetical runner reaches first base. Such a variation would not alter the function of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims, rather than by the examples given. 

1. A fielding drill device for simulating the progress of a runner after a ball is hit with a bat, comprising: a. a first input means, configured to automatically detect contact of said ball with said bat, and transmit a first signal whenever contact is detected; b. a control module, configured to receive said first signal when said first signal is transmitted by said first input means; and c. a plurality of progress indicator lights, electronically connected to said control module, said progress indicator lights configured to light in sequence so as to mimic the progress of said runner when said control module receives said first signal.
 2. The fielding drill device of claim 1, further comprising a terminal light, said terminal light electronically connected to said control module, said terminal light configured to illuminate in sequence after said plurality of progress indicator lights have illuminated to indicate said runner has touched first base.
 3. The fielding drill device of claim 1, further comprising an audible alarm, said audible alarm electronically connected to said control module, said audible alarm configured to sound after said plurality of indicator lights have illuminated to indicate said runner has touched first base.
 4. The fielding drill device of claim 2, further comprising an audible alarm, said audible alarm electronically connected to said control module, said audible alarm configured to sound after said plurality of indicator lights have illuminated to indicate said runner has touched first base.
 5. The fielding drill device of claim 1, said control module further comprising a timer.
 6. The fielding drill device of claim 1, said control module further comprising a speed setting means, said speed setting means configured alter the speed of said runner and the corresponding length of time between illumination of each of said plurality of progress indicator lights.
 7. The fielding drill device of claim 1, said first input means including an input transducer, said input transducer configured to detect the sound of contact of said bat with said ball and transmit a signal when said sound of contact is detected.
 8. The fielding drill device of claim 7, said first input means further comprising a noise gate electronically connected with said input transducer, said noise gate configured to transmit signals which exceed a threshold.
 9. The fielding drill device of claim 7, said first input means further comprising a bandpass filter electronically connected with said input transducer, said bandpass filter configured to transmit signals corresponding to a design frequency range.
 10. The fielding drill device of claim 1, said first input means further comprising a vibration sensor, said vibration sensor attachable to said bat, said vibration sensor configured to detect contact vibration when said bat contacts said ball, said vibration sensor configured to transmit a signal whenever contact vibration is detected.
 11. The fielding drill device of claim 10, said input means further comprising: a. a transmitter, said transmitter electronically connected with said vibration sensor, said transmitter configured to transmit a signal whenever contact vibration is detected; and b. a receiver, electronically connected to said control module, said receiver configured to detect said signal transmitted by said transmitter.
 12. A fielding drill device for simulating the progress of a runner from home to first base after a ball is hit with a bat, comprising: a. a first input means, configured to automatically detect contact of said ball with said bat, and transmit a first signal whenever contact is detected; b. a control module, configured to receive said first signal when said first signal is transmitted by said first input means; and c. a terminal light, electronically connected to said control module, said terminal light configured to illuminate at a time after contact between said ball and said bat when said runner would hypothetically reach said first base.
 13. The fielding drill device of claim 12, further comprising an audible alarm, said audible alarm electronically connected to said control module, said audible alarm configured to sound at said time after contact between said ball and said bat when said runner would hypothetically reach said first base.
 14. The fielding drill device of claim 12, said first input means including an input transducer, said input transducer configured to detect the sound of contact of said bat with said ball and transmit a signal when said sound of contact is detected.
 15. The fielding drill device of claim 14, said first input means further comprising a noise gate electronically connected with said input transducer, said noise gate configured to transmit signals which exceed a threshold.
 16. The fielding drill device of claim 14, said first input means further comprising a bandpass filter electronically connected with said input transducer, said bandpass filter configured to transmit signals corresponding to a design frequency range.
 17. The fielding drill device of claim 12, said first input means further comprising a vibration sensor, said vibration sensor attachable to said bat, said vibration sensor configured to detect contact vibration when said bat contacts said ball, said vibration sensor configured to transmit a signal whenever contact vibration is detected.
 18. The fielding drill device of claim 17, said input means further comprising: a. a transmitter, said transmitter electronically connected with said vibration sensor, said transmitter configured to transmit a signal whenever contact vibration is detected; and b. a receiver, electronically connected to said control module, said receiver configured to detect said signal transmitted by said transmitter.
 19. A fielding drill device for simulating the progress of a runner, running from home to first base after a ball is hit with a bat, comprising: a. a first input means, configured to automatically detect contact of said ball with said bat, and transmit a first signal whenever contact is detected; b. a control module, configured to receive said first signal when said first signal is transmitted by said first input means; and c. a means for indicating when said runner reaches said first base, said means electronically connected to said control module, said means configured to indicate said runner has reached first base at a time after contact between said ball and said bat when said runner would hypothetically reach said first base.
 20. The fielding drill device of claim 1, wherein said input means further comprises a device selected from a group consisting of: a. a vibration sensor, said vibration sensor attachable to said bat, said vibration sensor configured to detect contact vibration when said bat contacts said ball; and b. an input transducer, said input transducer configured to detect the sound of contact of said bat with said ball. 